Ex-Chelsea and Man Utd star eyes sensational Premier League return

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Jan 2024 15:47 GMT
• 3 min read

Nemanja Matic could make an unexpected return to the Premier League with Fulham, according to a report.

The Stade Rennais midfielder has gone AWOL and is desperate to get out of Brittany this month, having failed to settle at his new club due to his children not being able to enrol in an international school. Matic left Jose Mourinho's AS Roma in the summer to make the move to Ligue 1, but he is now trying to force a premature exit.

The Serb has been heavily linked with a move across the country to Lyon, but so far all of their approaches have been knocked back by Rennes 'on principle.' This has reportedly led to Matic taking the drastic measure of trying to actively push through a move.

Lyon, however, are not the only side interested in the former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder.

Fulham in for Matic?

Italian media have linked Matic with a return to Roma, who are expected to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder as Renato Sanches has failed to have the desired impact and could be recalled by PSG from his loan. This also recently led to links with another ex-Chelsea man in Oriol Romeu.

According to Italian transfer expert Di Marzio, Fulham are also in the mix. As FootballTransfers exclusively revealed, it is highly unlikely that Joao Palhinha will depart Craven Cottage this month, but Fulham could look for a replacement for Sasa Lukic, who has been made available for loan.

35-year-old compatriot Matic could represent an affordable replacement, with Fulham having to deal with Financial Fair Play restrictions. The above-mentioned report made no mention of how likely a Premier League return is for Matic at this stage of his career, though Fulham have shown themselves willing to take a chance on ageing veterans such as Willian and Raul Jimenez.